Zack Handlen, Paul Fidalgo and Jonas Maines in Fenix Theatre’s “Love’s Labor’s Lost.” Photo by Noli French of French’s Fotos Photography
On Thursday evening, a crowd gathered near the pedestrian bridge in Deering Oaks to attend the Fenix Theater’s 16th annual Shakespeare performance in the park. Surrounded by an oak canopy and with a sun-drenched duck pond in the background, the theater company delivered a spirited performance of “Love’s Labor’s Lost” that was as brilliant and joyful as the sunshine that adorned the early evening sky.
In true Fenix fashion, the opening “house rules,” reminiscences, and appeals for donations from actors Paul Fidalgo (Longaville/Boyet/Holofernes) and Jonas Maines (Dumaine/Don Armado) flowed seamlessly into the play, with the pair slipping into their roles without interruption. Only a green sign on a tree to the left—Navarre, population 350—served to describe the scenery for the play’s reimagined setting, an island off the coast of Maine.
The story is an ancient farce about love and romance that revolves around the King of Navarre (Zack Handlen) and three lords: Longavillle, Dumaine and Berowne, played by Luke Myers. The four take a strict vow to devote all their time to academic study, denying themselves food, sleep and women. Hilarious fun ensues when the Princess of France (Hannah Daly) arrives on business with her ladies-in-waiting Maria (Megan Cross), Rosaline (Kat Moraros) and Katherine (Sarabell Wrigley).
Sarabell Wrigley, Kat Moraros and Hannah Daly in Love’s Labour’s Lost at Deering Oaks Park. Photo by Noli French of French’s Fotos Photography
In total, the play contains 15 very colorful characters played by eight actors and a “special guest” for the evening. The performance lasts almost two hours, without an intermission.
Directed by Katelyn Manfre, Fenix’s Love’s Labor’s Lost offers a modernized version of the Shakespeare classic, tailored to today’s New England audience. Old English clothing has been replaced with an old-fashioned college preppy look for the boys and a touch of stereotypical Maine flair for the islanders, most notably expressed in the plaid-clad, Maine-accented costard played by the expressive and highly entertaining Cross. When props are used, they are usually comical and add to the nonstop, high-energy fun.
Despite the new setting and costumes, the production remains faithful to Shakespeare’s original verse and prose, and the cast delivers the lines with a lightness and expressiveness that makes the dialogue accessible to today’s masses. Myers in particular delivers a smooth performance that is fluid and sensitive.
The production features many comic characters that provide laughs and keep the audience engrossed in the absurd plot. Maines is a delight in the role of ballad-writing Spaniard Don Armado, who becomes intoxicated with love after meeting a local girl named Jaquenetta (Wrigley). Fidalgo and Moraros are equally delightful as subplot word snobs Holofernes and Sir Nathaniel.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Shakespearean comedy without mistaken identity, and Fenix adds to the absurdity with chuckle-worthy “disguises” that add to the fun. There’s also a play within a play that culminates in a mess involving popcorn and water bottles, which the cast executes with great glee.
In addition to portraying three characters, Fidalgo also serves as musical director and songwriter for the production. “Leap Year” is a fitting conclusion to the piece and beautifully showcases the vocal and instrumental talents of the entire cast.
Love’s Labor’s Lost is a fast-paced, witty production that provides an entertaining evening of laughs and inspired performances. Hats off to Fenix Theatre for continuing to provide quality theatre that is accessible to all.
April Boyle is a freelance writer based in Casco. You can reach her at: [email protected].
Twitter: @ahboyle
Copy the story link
” Previous
“Fly Me to the Moon” is saved by the stars
similar posts
